EP2978660B1 - Raccord - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2978660B1
EP2978660B1 EP14715069.2A EP14715069A EP2978660B1 EP 2978660 B1 EP2978660 B1 EP 2978660B1 EP 14715069 A EP14715069 A EP 14715069A EP 2978660 B1 EP2978660 B1 EP 2978660B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
transverse axis
subsea
pin
line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn - After Issue
Application number
EP14715069.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2978660A1 (fr
Inventor
Richard Taylor
Andrew Clayson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Flintstone Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
Flintstone Technology Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Flintstone Technology Ltd filed Critical Flintstone Technology Ltd
Priority to EP19167957.0A priority Critical patent/EP3539859B1/fr
Priority to DK19167957.0T priority patent/DK3539859T3/da
Priority to EP21153798.0A priority patent/EP3831707A1/fr
Publication of EP2978660A1 publication Critical patent/EP2978660A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2978660B1 publication Critical patent/EP2978660B1/fr
Withdrawn - After Issue legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/04—Fastening or guiding equipment for chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/20—Adaptations of chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like, or of parts thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B63B21/507—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
    • E02D27/10—Deep foundations
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
    • E02D27/32—Foundations for special purposes
    • E02D27/50—Anchored foundations
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
    • E02D27/32—Foundations for special purposes
    • E02D27/52—Submerged foundations, i.e. submerged in open water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
    • F16G15/00—Chain couplings, Shackles; Chain joints; Chain links; Chain bushes
    • F16G15/08—Swivels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/20—Adaptations of chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like, or of parts thereof
    • B63B2021/203—Mooring cables or ropes, hawsers, or the like; Adaptations thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector, such as a subsea connector, for connecting a line or lines, such as mooring lines, to a subsea structure, such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.
  • a connector such as a subsea connector
  • the invention also relates to associated systems and methods.
  • Mooring lines e.g. wire, chain or synthetic mooring lines (such as polyester lines) used subsea, for example, in the oil, gas, offshore wind, or tidal energy industries, etc.
  • the mooring of such structures may be permanent.
  • corrosion of the wires or lines used for mooring may require the replacement of the corroded lines or wires.
  • ROV remotely operated vehicle
  • US 2012/0031320 (SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.)_ discloses a mooring leg connector for use with a mooring leg extending up from the sea floor to connect a floating structure to be moored to the seabed wherein disconnection and connection of the mooring leg is done by pulling in and out a connector elongated body extending in the mooring leg direction.
  • the connector has a latch mechanism for fixation of the mooring leg to the floating structure to be moored and preventing movement in the direction of the seabed, and a flexible part with a double articulation axis located at the bottom of the connector body above the attachment member, the connector body being received in a housing which is fixed to a part of the structure to be moored, wherein the latch mechanism includes guiding elements and followers or orientation pins between the body of the connector and the housing.
  • the means for aligning the first and second portions may comprise first and second means carried by or provided on the first and second portions, respectively.
  • the first and second alignment means may co-act, in use, when the first and second portions are brought together.
  • the first alignment means may comprise at least one first protrusion.
  • the second alignment means may comprise at least one second protrusion.
  • the first and second protrusions may define a cam follower arrangement, such as a helical cam follower arrangement.
  • the at least one first and second protrusions may co-act, in use, and rotate the first and second portions with respect to one another around a longitudinal axis, when the first and second portions are brought together.
  • the male part may comprise a cylindrical portion.
  • the at least part of the through-passage may be a cylindrical bore e.g. an open bore.
  • the female part may comprise the at least part of the through passage, within which the male part or cylindrical portion may be received in a substantially tight or snug fit.
  • the first portion may comprise means for releasably connecting to the work line or wire.
  • the line connecting means may be an inter-engaging coupling arrangement.
  • the inter-engaging coupling arrangement may be configured for pulling or moving the first portion of the subsea connector towards the second portion.
  • the line connecting means may comprise first and second line connection means.
  • the first line connection means may be configured for releasably engaging with the second line connection means.
  • the second line connection means may be configured for releasably engaging with the first line connection means.
  • the engagement between the first and second line connection means may be caused by tension created between the work line or wire and the first portion of the subsea connector.
  • the first line connection means may be provided by or carried on a free end of the line or wire.
  • the first line connection means may comprise a first and second protrusion disposed on opposite sides of a plate member or attachment member of the wire or line.
  • the first and second protrusions may be a first and second pin.
  • the male part may comprise an open recess or slot on a free end thereof.
  • the second line connection means may be located or disposed within the open recess or slot of the male part.
  • the second line connection means may comprise a first and second retaining member.
  • the first and second retaining members may be disposed on opposite sides, opposing each other, of the width of the open recess or slot.
  • the first and second retaining members may comprise a further opening or recess adapted for receiving the first and second pins of the first line connection means.
  • the opening or recess of the first and second retaining members may be adapted to face opposite to that of the male part, e.g. in a downward direction with respect to the first portion.
  • the second line connection means may comprise an elongate member or bar spanning the width of the open recess or slot.
  • the first line connection means may comprise a member for connecting to the elongate member or bar of the male part, such as a hook or the like.
  • an ROV may run the work line or wire through the bore of the female part.
  • the ROV may connect the work line or wire, comprising the first line connection means, to the second line connection means of the male part.
  • engagement between the first and second line connection means may be caused by tension in an upward direction created between the work line or wire and the first portion of the subsea connector, i.e. the first and second pins may co-act or engage with the first and second retaining members.
  • the hook may engage with elongate member.
  • the ROV may pull the male part towards the female part such that the male part is inserted into the female part.
  • a temporary sheave member may facilitate the pulling of the first portion towards the second portion.
  • insertion of the male part into the female part may cause the first alignment means and second alignment means to rotationally co-act, thereby relatively (longitudinally) rotating the male part into a pre-selected or pre-determined rotational disposition in the female part.
  • the means for connecting the first portion and the second portion may comprise a first aperture in the male part, e.g. a pair of diametrically or width-wise spanning the cylindrical portion of the male part.
  • the means for connecting the first portion and the second portion may comprise at least one second aperture, e.g. a pair of diametrically opposed apertures, in the female part.
  • the means for connecting the first portion and the second portion may comprise a pin, e.g. a load (bearing) pin, removably receivable within the first and second apertures when such are aligned.
  • the first and/or second apertures may be configured so as to provide a clearance or space, e.g. an increased clearance or space, between the pin and the first and/or second aperture during insertion of the pin.
  • the first and/or second aperture may be configured so as to provide a contact area, e.g. an increased contact area, between the pin and the first and/or second apertures when the first portion is connected to the second portion, e.g., in use.
  • the first and/or second apertures may define or comprise a profile or cross section.
  • the first and/or second aperture and/or the profile of the first and/or second aperture may comprise a load bearing surface or portion, which may substantially match or complement a profile or shape of the pin and/or a load bearing surface or portion of the pin.
  • the load bearing surface of the first and/or second apertures may be in contact with the load bearing surface of the pin when the first portion is connected to the second portion by the pin, in use.
  • the load bearing surface may define or comprise the contact area between the pin and the first and/or second aperture.
  • the load bearing surface of the pin may transfer or distribute a load to the first and/or second portion via the load bearing surface of the first and/or second aperture.
  • the first and/or second aperture and/or the profile of the first and/or second apertures may comprise a non-load bearing surface or portion, which may provide clearance around the pin during insertion. By providing clearance or space between the pin and the first and/or second apertures, insertion or installation of the pin may be facilitated.
  • the first and/or second apertures may define or comprise a substantially oval or egg-shaped profile or cross section, or that of two overlapping circles of differing radii.
  • the first and second apertures are aligned in said pre-selected rotational disposition.
  • the profile of the first and second aperture may be aligned.
  • the non-load bearing surfaces of each of the first and second aperture may be substantially aligned, such as concentrically aligned.
  • the load bearing surface or contact area of the first aperture may be located or positioned substantially opposite or opposed to the load bearing surface or contact area of the second aperture.
  • the ROV may mate and/or release the first and second portions, e.g. subsea/underwater, and/or to insert and/or remove the pin.
  • the pin may have a tapered end, which may facilitate insertion thereof into the apertures.
  • the pin may comprise a further inter-engaging coupling arrangement configured for locking the pin with respect to the subsea connector.
  • the further inter-engaging coupling arrangement may comprise a bayonet configuration carried or provided by the pin and the second portion.
  • the ROV may remove the temporary sheave member which may lead to a reduction in tension of the work line or wire.
  • the ROV may disconnect the work line or wire from the male portion by disengaging the first line connection means from the second line connection means.
  • the first portion, second portion and/or pin may be made from a metal or metallic material.
  • the first portion, second portion and/or pin are made by forging.
  • the first portion may be connected to one or more lines, such as one or more mooring, tethering or anchoring lines or the like.
  • the one or more lines may be a chain, wire, rope or the like.
  • the first portion may be connected to one or more lines so as to allow rotational movement of the first portion with respect to one or more lines.
  • the rotational movement of the first portion may be about a transverse axis, e.g. discrete transverse axis, of the first portion, e.g. perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first portion.
  • a means for connecting the first portion to one or more lines may allow rotational movement of the first portion, e.g. rotational movement about the transverse axis of the first portion.
  • the first portion may be connected to one or more lines by one or more first bearing means, which may be provided or carried by the first portion.
  • the first bearing means may define or comprise a clevis arrangement or the like.
  • the second portion may be connected to a subsea structure.
  • the second portion may be connected to a subsea structure so as to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect to a subsea structure.
  • the rotational movement of the second portion may be about a transverse axis, e.g. discrete transverse axis, of the second portion, e.g. perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second portion.
  • a means for connecting the second portion to a subsea structure may allow rotational movement of the second portion, e.g. rotational movement about the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the transverse axis of the second portion may be a substantially horizontal axis.
  • the transverse axis of the first portion may be or be oriented substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the second portion may be connected to a subsea structure by one or more second bearing means, which may be provided or carried by the second portion.
  • the second bearing means may comprise one or more trunnions or protrusions, which may provide the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the bearing means may provide rotational movement about a transverse axis of the second portion with respect to the subsea structure.
  • the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion, in use, e.g. when the first and second portions are connected.
  • the transverse axis of the first portion may be offset, e.g. offset in a longitudinal direction of the first portion and/or second portion, from the transverse axis of the second portion, e.g. there may be a space or distance between the transverse axis of the first portion and the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the transverse axis of the first portion and/or the transverse axis of the second portion may define a universal-joint arrangement, such as an extended universal-joint arrangement.
  • the transverse axis of the first portion may coincide with the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • insertion of the male part into the female part may cause (longitudinal) rotational movement of the male part into the pre-selected rotational disposition in the female part.
  • the (longitudinal) rotational movement of the male part may align the transverse axis of the first portion relative to the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the male part may be aligned so that the transverse axis of the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the means for connecting the first portion to one or more lines may define or allow movement, such as rotational movement, of the first portion with respect to one or more lines, comprising at least one first degree of freedom.
  • the means for connecting the first portion to one or more line may provide a connection or joint comprising the at least one first degree of freedom.
  • the means for connecting the second portion to a subsea structure may define or allow movement, such as rotational movement, of the second portion relative to a subsea structure, comprising at least one second degree of freedom.
  • the means for connecting the second portion to a subsea structure may provide a further connection or joint comprising the at least one second degree of freedom.
  • connection of the first portion to the second portion may allow movement, e.g.
  • the transverse axes of the first and second portion which may provide the two or more degrees of freedom, may be orthogonal or perpendicular.
  • the means for connecting the first portion to one or more lines and/or the means for connecting the second portion to a subsea structure may provide movement of the line relative to a subsea structure in two or more directions and/or planes.
  • loading and/or stress on a subsea structure and/or the connector may be reduced e.g. when a vessel connects to a subsea structure, in use.
  • a first portion of a subsea connector configured for connection to a second portion of the subsea connector by means for pulling the first portion into the second portion.
  • the means for pulling may be capable of pulling or moving the first portion into alignment within the second portion.
  • a second portion of a subsea connector configured for connection to a first portion of the subsea connector by means for pulling the second portion into the first portion.
  • the means for pulling may be capable of pulling or moving the second portion into alignment within the first portion.
  • a system for providing a subsea connection between a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure and one or more lines, such as mooring lines comprising:
  • a first portion of the subsea connector may comprise means for connecting to one or more lines, such as mooring lines.
  • a second portion of the subsea connector may comprise means for connecting to a subsea structure, e.g. a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.
  • the first portion may be connected to one or more lines.
  • the connection between the first connector portion and the line may be adapted as to allow rotational movement around or about a (discrete) transverse axis of the first connector portion with respect to line.
  • the second portion may be connected to the subsea structure.
  • the connection between the second connector portion and the subsea structure may be adapted as to allow rotational movement around or about a (discrete) transverse axis of the second connector portion with respect to subsea structure.
  • the (discrete) transverse rotational axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the (discrete) transverse rotational axis of the second portion.
  • a method of mooring, anchoring or fixing a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure by one or more lines comprising the step of: connecting at least one line of said lines to a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure by using a subsea connector according to a first aspect of the present invention.
  • a first and a second bearing of a subsea connector comprising first bearing means provided by or carried on a first portion of the subsea connector and second bearing means provided by or carried on a second portion of the subsea connector.
  • the first and second bearings may be configured for allowing pivotal or rotational movement of the first and second portions when connected to a subsea structure or a line, such as a mooring line. When connected, the first and second portions may pivot or rotate around or about a transverse axis of the first and/or a transverse axis of the second portion.
  • the first bearing means may comprise a first inner bearing ring/sleeve and a first outer bearing ring or sleeve.
  • the first portion of the subsea connector may be configured for receiving a first bearing shaft.
  • the second bearing means may comprise a second bearing shaft, a first inner bearing ring/sleeve and a first outer bearing ring/sleeve.
  • the first and second inner bearing ring/sleeve may be positioned radially outside the first and second bearing shaft, respectively.
  • the first and second inner ring/sleeve may be configured for allowing rotational movement of the first and second shaft with respect first and second outer ring/sleeve.
  • the first and second inner ring/sleeve may provide a low friction bearing surface, which may be provided by low friction bush, such as an Orkot bush.
  • the first and second outer bearing ring/sleeve may be positioned radially outside the first and second inner bearing ring/sleeve.
  • a first surface of the first and second inner bearing ring may be in slidable contact with a first surface of the first and second shaft, respectively.
  • a second surface of the first and second inner bearing ring may be in slidable contact with a first surface of the first and second outer bearing ring/sleeve, respectively.
  • the first and second inner bearing rings/sleeves may be configured for providing low friction rotational movement of the first and second shaft with respect to the first and second outer rings/sleeves.
  • the first portion of the subsea connector may comprise an aperture located on a distal end thereof.
  • the aperture may provide the first outer ring/sleeve, which may be located inside the aperture.
  • a clevis arrangement may be used for connecting the first portion to the line.
  • the clevis arrangement may comprise a clevis member and a pin or bolt.
  • the clevis arrangement may connect or attach the first portion to one or more lines.
  • the pin or bolt of the clevis arrangement may act as the first bearing shaft once the first portion is connected to the line.
  • the clevis member may be connected to a free end of the line.
  • the clevis member may comprise at least one second aperture, e.g. a pair of diametrically opposed apertures, configured for receiving the first bearing shaft.
  • the first bearing shaft may receivable within the aperture of the first portion and second apertures of the clevis member when such are aligned.
  • the first bearing shaft may be rotatably fixed with respect to the clevis member, i.e. rotational movement of the first bearing shaft with respect to the clevis member may be prohibited.
  • the first portion may comprise at least one first surface, e.g. a pair of surfaces opposing each other.
  • the clevis member may comprise at least one second surface, e.g. a pair of surfaces opposing each other.
  • At least one first surface(s) and at least one second surface(s) may abut one another once the first portion and clevis member are brought together.
  • At least one spacing member may be located between the at least one first and the at least one second surfaces.
  • the at least one spacing member may provide low friction between the first and second surfaces.
  • the at least one spacing member may be a thrust bearing or washer, such as an Orkot washer.
  • the second bearing shaft may be provided by at least one protrusion, e.g. a pair of protrusions located on opposite sides on a transverse axis of the second connector portion.
  • the at least one protrusion may be a trunnion or pin, configured for allowing pivotal movement around or about a transverse axis of the second portion with respect to the subsea structure when connected to the subsea structure.
  • the trunnion may be adapted to act as the second bearing shaft.
  • connection means for connecting the second portion to a subsea structure may comprise at least one further retaining member, e.g. a pair of further retaining members, positioned opposite each other on an outer surface of the subsea structure, may be configured to secure or attach the second portion of the subsea connector to the subsea structure.
  • the at least one further retaining member may comprise a further first retaining member and a further second retaining member.
  • the further first retaining member may comprise a recess or slot adapted for receiving the second bearing means.
  • the recess or slot may be substantially upward facing.
  • the further first retaining member may be adapted to prohibit any downward movement and/or movement in a horizontal direction of the second portion with respect to the subsea structure.
  • the further second retaining member may prevent movement of the second portion along the recess or slot of the further first retaining member.
  • the further second retaining member may be adapted to secure the second portion to the subsea structure and prohibit any upward movement thereof.
  • the further first and second retaining portions may clamp or fix the second outer bearing ring/sleeve with respect to the subsea structure such that any translational and/or rotational movement of the second outer bearing sleeve is prohibited.
  • At least one second spacing member may be placed between adjacent surfaces of the second portion and the further retaining member(s).
  • the at least one second spacing member may be capable of providing low friction between the second portion and the further retaining member(s) during rotational movement of the second portion with respect to the subsea structure.
  • the at least one second spacing member may be a thrust bearing or washer, such as an Orkot washer.
  • a first bearing configured for allowing rotational movement of a first portion of a subsea connector with respect to a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure, or a mooring line or wire.
  • a second bearing configured for allowing rotational movement of a second portion of a subsea connector with respect to a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure, or a mooring line or wire.
  • a bearing system for providing rotational movement of a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure with respect to a mooring line or wire in one or more directions, the subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure being connected to the mooring line or wire by a subsea connector according to a first aspect of the present invention.
  • the system may comprise first and second bearings.
  • the first bearing may be provided by connecting a first portion of the connector to one or more lines.
  • the first bearing may be adapted as to allow rotational movement around or about a (discrete) transverse axis of the first connector portion with respect to the line.
  • the second bearing may be provided by connecting a second portion of the connector to a subsea structure.
  • the second bearing may be adapted as to allow rotational movement around or about a (discrete) transverse axis of the second connector portion with respect to the subsea structure.
  • the transverse rotational movement of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse rotational movement of the second portion.
  • a method of assembling a first and second bearing of a subsea connector comprising the steps of producing a first bearing by connecting or mounting a first or second portion of the subsea connector to at least one mooring line or wire, and producing a second bearing by connecting or mounting a first or second portion of the subsea connector to a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure according to the sixth aspect of the present invention and connecting the first and second portions of the subsea connector according to a first aspect of the present invention.
  • a subsea structure 145 such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy, which in this Figure is shown connected to a vessel.
  • submerged can include both fully submerged (e.g. entirely beneath a waterline) as well as partially submerged (e.g. partially beneath a waterline).
  • the subsea structure 145 is moored to the seabed by one or more mooring lines 140.
  • a subsea connector 100 generally designated 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Such a connector may be used for connecting the structure 145 to one or more mooring lines 140.
  • the subsea connector 100 comprises a first portion 105 and a second portion 110.
  • the first portion 105 may be considered to be a male portion
  • the second portion 110 may be considered to be a female portion.
  • the connector 100 further comprises means 115 for connecting the first and second portions 105,110, which comprises at least part of a through-passage 120 in the second portion 110, as will be explained.
  • the means 115 for connecting may comprise means for releasably connecting.
  • the first portion 105 of a subsea connector 100 configured for connection to the second portion 110 of the subsea connector 100 by means for pulling 200 (see Figure 7a ) the first portion 105 into the second portion 110.
  • the means for pulling 200 are capable of pulling or moving the first portion 105 into alignment within the second portion 110.
  • the second portion 110 of a subsea connector 100 may be configured for connection to the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 by means for pulling 200 the second portion 110 into the first portion 105, where the means for pulling may be capable of pulling or moving the second portion into alignment within the first portion.
  • the through-passage 120 is capable of receiving (for example threadably receiving) a work line 155 or wire, as will be described, and as is shown in Figure 5 .
  • the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 further comprises means 125 for connecting to one or more lines 140, such as mooring lines, whereas the second portion 110 comprises means 130 for connecting to the subsea structure 145 (e.g. see Figure 4 ).
  • the means 125 for connecting the first portion 105 to one or more lines 140 allow rotational movement about a transverse axis A of the first portion 105.
  • the means for connecting the first portion 105 to one or more lines 140 defines or allows movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the first portion 105 with respect to one or more lines 140, comprising at least one first degree of freedom.
  • the means 125 for connecting the first portion 105 to one or more lines 140 can provide a joint or connection, which comprises at least one first degree of freedom of rotational movement.
  • the first portion 105 can be connected to one or more lines 140 by one or more first bearing means 290, which are provided by the first portion 104.
  • the first bearing means include a clevis arrangement 350 or the like.
  • the transverse axis A of the first portion 105 can be provided by a clevis pin or bolt 360.
  • the clevis arrangement 350 allows rotational movement between the line 140 and the first portion 105 about the clevis pin 360.
  • the second portion 110 is connected to a subsea structure 145 so as to allow rotational movement of the second portion 110 with respect to a subsea structure 145.
  • the rotational movement of the second portion 110 is about a transverse axis B of the second portion 110, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the second portion 110.
  • the means 130 for connecting the second portion 110 to a subsea structure 145 allow for rotational movement of the second portion about the transverse axis of the second portion, which is in this embodiment a substantially horizontal axis B.
  • the second portion 110 is connected to a subsea structure 145 by one or more second bearing means 295, which can be carried by the second portion 110.
  • the second bearing means 295 comprise one or more trunnions 316.
  • the second bearing means 295 provide rotational movement about the transverse axis B of the second portion 110 with respect to the subsea structure 145.
  • the transverse axis A of the first portion 105 is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis B of the second portion 110, in use, when the first 105 and second 110 portions are connected.
  • the transverse axis A of the first portion 105 is provided offset in a longitudinal direction of connector 100 from the transverse axis B of the second portion 110 so that there is a space or distance between the transverse axis A of the first portion 105 and the transverse axis B of the second portion 110.
  • the connector in this embodiment has an extended universal-joint arrangement.
  • the means 130 for connecting the second portion 110 to a subsea structure 145 defines or allows movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the second portion 110 relative to a subsea structure 145, comprising at least one second degree of freedom.
  • the means 130 for connecting the second portion 110 to a subsea structure 145 provide a further joint or connection, which has at least one second degree of freedom of rotational movement.
  • connection of the first portion 105 to the second portion 110 allows rotational movement with two or more degrees of freedom of one or more lines relative to a subsea structure 145.
  • the first and second connection means allow for movement of the one or more lines 140 relative to the subsea structure 145 in two or more planes and/or directions.
  • the subsea connector 100 additionally comprises means 150 for aligning, e.g. self-aligning the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 with respect to one another.
  • the means 150 for aligning on both the first and second portion interoperate with one another so as to orientate the first portion 110 in a particular configuration with respect to the second portion 120.
  • the means 150 for aligning the first and second portions 105, 110 comprise first and second means 170, 175 carried by, or provided on, the first and second portions 105, 110, respectively. Those first and second alignment means 170, 175 co-act, in use, when the first and second portions 105, 110 are brought together.
  • the first alignment means 170 comprises at least one first protrusion 180
  • the second alignment means 175 comprises at least one second protrusion 185 also such that the at least one first and second protrusions 180, 185 co-act, in use, and rotate the first and second portions 105, 110 with respect to one another around a longitudinal axis, when the first and second portions 105, 110 are brought together.
  • one or more protrusions and complementary recesses may be provided, as will be appreciated.
  • a male part 160 of the first portion 105 comprises a cylindrical portion 190
  • the at least part of the through-passage 120 is a cylindrical bore 195 e.g. an open bore (see Figure 4 ), such that the female part comprises the through-passage 120, within which the male part 160 or cylindrical portion 190 is received.
  • the male part 160 may be received in a substantially tight or snug fit.
  • the first portion 105 also comprises means 205 for releasably connecting to a work line 155 or wire.
  • the line connecting means 205 are an inter-engaging coupling arrangement, although alternative configurations will be evident.
  • the inter-engaging coupling arrangement is configured for pulling, or at least moving, the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 towards the second portion 110.
  • the line connecting means 205 comprises first and second line connection means 210, 215, respectively.
  • first line connection means 210 is configured for releasably engaging with the second line connection means 215.
  • second line connection means 215 may be configured for releasably engaging with the first line connection means 210. Engagement of the first and second line connection means 210, 215 can be caused by tension created between the work line or wire 155 and the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100.
  • the first line connection means 210 is provided by, or carried on, a free end of the line or wire 155, and comprises a first and second protrusion 220 (shown as pins 221, 222) disposed on opposite sides of a plate member or attachment member 225 of the wire or line.
  • the male part 160 of the first portion 105 comprises an open recess or slot 230 on a free end thereof, and the second line connection 215 means can be located or disposed within the open recess or slot 230 of that male part 160.
  • the second line connection means 215 also comprises a first and second retaining member 235, which are disposed on opposite sides, opposing each other, of the width of the open recess or slot 230.
  • the first and second retaining members 235 comprise a further opening or recess 240 adapted for receiving the first and second pins 221, 222 of the first line connection means 210.
  • the opening or recess 240 of the first and second retaining members 235 is adapted to face opposite to that of the male part 160, e.g. in a downward direction with respect to the first portion 105. In other words, the opening or recess 240 faces inwardly towards the body of the first portion).
  • the second line connection means 215 may comprise an elongate member or bar spanning the width of the open recess or slot 230.
  • the first line connection means 210 may comprise a member for connecting to the elongate member or bar of the male part, such as a hook or the like.
  • an ROV is able to run the work line or wire 155 through the bore 195 of the female part 165, as shown in Figure 5 .
  • the ROV can then connect the work line or wire 155, comprising the first line connection means 210, to the second line connection means 215 of the male part 160.
  • engagement between the first and second line connection means 210, 215 can be caused by tension in an upward direction created between the work line or wire 155 and the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100, e.g. the first and second pins 221, 222 co-act or engage with the first and second retaining members 235.
  • a hook or the like may engage with an elongate member (not shown).
  • the ROV can pull the male part 160 towards the female part 165 such that the male part 160 is inserted into the female part 165.
  • a temporary sheave member 245 facilitates the pulling of the first portion 105 towards the second portion 110, as shown in Figure 9 .
  • Insertion of the male part 160 into the female part 165 can cause the first alignment means and second alignment means 170, 175 (see Figure 6 ) to rotationally co-act, thereby relatively (longitudinally) rotating the male part and the female part into a pre-selected or pre-determined rotational disposition, as shown in Figure 10 .
  • the means 115 for connecting the first portion and the second portion 105, 110 comprises a first aperture 250 in the male part, e.g. a pair of diametrically or width-wise apertures spanning the cylindrical portion 190 of the male part 160.
  • the means 115 for connecting the first portion and the second portion 105, 110 comprises at least one second aperture 255, e.g. a pair of diametrically opposed apertures, in the female part 165.
  • the means 115 for connecting the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 comprises a pin 260, e.g. a pin, such as a load bearing pin, removably receivable within the first and second apertures 250, 255 when are aligned, for example, when aligned in a pre-selected rotational disposition.
  • a pin 260 e.g. a pin, such as a load bearing pin, removably receivable within the first and second apertures 250, 255 when are aligned, for example, when aligned in a pre-selected rotational disposition.
  • the ROV can mate and/or release the first and second portions 105, 110, e.g. subsea/underwater, and/or to insert and/or remove the pin 260.
  • the pin 260 has a tapered end, which can facilitate ease of insertion thereof into the apertures 250, 255.
  • the pin 260 comprises a further inter-engaging coupling arrangement 270 configured for locking, or at least retaining, the pin 260 with respect to the subsea connector 100.
  • the further inter-engaging coupling arrangement 270 comprises a bayonet configuration 271 carried or provided by the pin 260 and the second portion 110.
  • the ROV can remove any temporary sheave member 245, which leads to a reduction in tension of the work line or wire 155, as shown in Figure 13 .
  • the ROV can then disconnect the work line or wire 155 from the male portion 160 by disengaging the first line connection means from the second line connection means 210, 215 (e.g. see Figure 14 ).
  • first portion 105, second portion 110 and/or pin 260 are made from a metal or metallic material (e.g. made by forging).
  • the above described connector 100 may be used with a system 275 comprising one or more such connectors 100.
  • a system 275 can be used to provide a subsea connection between subsea, underwater and/or offshore equipment, apparatus or structures 145 and one or more lines, such as mooring lines 140.
  • the system 275 comprises a plurality of subsea connectors 100.
  • each first portion 105 of each subsea connector 100 has means 125 for connecting to one or more lines, such as mooring lines 140
  • each second portion 110 of each subsea connector 100 comprises means 130 for connecting to a subsea structure 145, e.g. a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.
  • connection between the first portion 105 and the line 140 is adapted so as to allow for such rotational movement around or about a (discrete) transverse axis A ( Figure 7b ) of the first portion 105 with respect to line 140.
  • connection between the second portion 110 and the subsea structure 145 is adapted so as to allow rotational movement around or about a (discrete) transverse axis B ( Figure 4 ) of the second portion 110 with respect to subsea structure 145.
  • the (discrete) transverse rotational axis A of the first portion 105 may be considered to be substantially perpendicular to the (discrete) transverse rotational axis B of the second portion 105.
  • the use of such a connector 100 may obviate the need for any additional rotation coupling in the mooring line 140 (e.g. no need for an additional uni-joint or the like).
  • first and second bearings 280, 285 of a subsea connector 100 comprise first bearing means 290 provided by or carried on the first portion 105 and second bearing means 295 provided by or carried on the second portion 110.
  • the first and second bearings 280, 285 are configured for allowing movement (e.g. pivotal movement) of the first and second portions 105, 110 when connected to a subsea structure 145 or a line 140.
  • the first and second portions 105, 110 are able to pivot or rotate around or about a transverse axis of the first portion 105 and/or a transverse axis of the second portion 110.
  • the first bearing means 290 comprises a first inner bearing ring/sleeve 300 and a first outer bearing ring or sleeve 305.
  • the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 may be considered to be configured to receive a first bearing shaft 310.
  • the second bearing means 295 comprises a second bearing shaft 315, a first inner bearing ring/sleeve 320 and a first outer bearing ring/sleeve 325.
  • the first and second inner bearing ring/sleeved 300, 320 are positioned radially outside the first and second bearing shaft 310, 315, respectively.
  • the first and second inner ring/sleeve 300, 320 are configured for allowing rotational movement of the first and second shaft 310, 315 with respect first and second outer ring/sleeve 305, 325.
  • the first and second inner ring/sleeve 300,320 provides a low friction bearing surface, which is provided by low friction bush, such as an Orkot bush.
  • the first and second outer bearing ring/sleeves 305, 325 are positioned radially outside the first and second inner bearing ring/sleeve 300, 320.
  • a first surface 330 of the first and second inner bearing ring/sleeve 300, 320 is in slidable contact with a first surface of the first and second shaft 310, 315, respectively, and a second surface 335 of the first and second inner bearing ring/sleeve 300, 320 is in slidable contact with a first surface 340 of the first and second outer bearing ring/sleeve 305, 325, respectively.
  • first and second inner bearing rings/sleeves 300,320 are configured for providing low friction rotational movement of the first and second shaft 310, 315 with respect to the first and second outer rings/sleeves 305,325.
  • the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 comprises an aperture 345, which can be considered to be located on a distal end thereof.
  • the aperture 345 provides the first outer ring/sleeve 305, which is located inside the aperture 345, such that a clevis arrangement 350 can be used for connecting the first portion 105 to the line 140.
  • the clevis arrangement 350 comprises a clevis member 355 and a pin or bolt 360 such that the pin or bolt 360 acts as the first bearing shaft 310 once the first portion 105 is connected to the line 140.
  • the clevis member 350 can be considered to be connected to a free end of the line 140.
  • the first bearing shaft 310 is receivable within the aperture 345 of the first portion 105 and second apertures of the clevis member 350 when such are aligned.
  • the first bearing shaft 310 is rotatably fixed with respect to the clevis member 350, i.e. rotational movement of the first bearing shaft 310 with respect to the clevis member 350 is inhibited, or prohibited.
  • the first portion 105 comprises at least one first surface 365, e.g. a pair of surfaces opposing each other
  • the clevis member 350 comprises at least one second surface 370, e.g. a pair of surfaces opposing each other, such that the respective at least one first surface(s) 365 and at least one second surface(s) 370 abut one another once the first portion 105 and clevis member 350 are brought together.
  • a sealing member 375 may be located between the at least one first and the at least one second surfaces 365,370. Such a sealing member 375 may be provide low friction between the first and second surfaces 365,370.
  • An example of such a sealing member 375 may be an Orkot washer.
  • the second bearing shaft 315 of the second portion 110 is provided by at least one protrusion 316, e.g. a pair of protrusions located on opposite side on a transverse axis of the second connector portion 110.
  • the at least one protrusion 316 may be considered to be a trunnion, protrusion or pin, configured for allowing pivotal movement around or about a transverse axis B of the second portion 100 with respect to the subsea structure 145 when connected to the subsea structure 145.
  • the trunnion 316 is adapted to act as the second bearing shaft 315.
  • At least one further retaining member 380 e.g. a pair of further retaining members, are positioned opposite each other on an outer surface of the subsea structure 145, and are configured to secure or attached the second portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 to the subsea structure 145.
  • the at least one further retaining member 380 comprises a first retaining member 381 and a second retaining member 382.
  • the further first retaining member 381 comprises an upward facing recess 383 adapted for receiving the second bearing means 295 such that the first retaining member 381 is adapted to prohibit any downward movement and/or movement in a horizontal direction of the second portion 110 with respect to the subsea structure 145.
  • the second retaining member 382 is adapted to secure the second portion 110 to the subsea structure 145 and prohibit any upward movement thereof.
  • the further first and second retaining portions 381,382 clamp or fix the second outer bearing ring/sleeve 325 with respect to the subsea structure 145.
  • a second spacing member 385 is placed between contacting surfaces 390,391 of the second portion 110 and the first and second retaining members 381,382.
  • the second spacing member 385 is capable of providing low friction between the second portion 110 and the first and second further retaining members 381,382 during rotational movement of the second portion 110 with respect to the subsea structure 145.
  • the second spacing member 385 may be an Orkot washer, or the like.
  • a first bearing 280 that is configured to allow for rotational movement of the first portion 105 of the subsea connector 100 with respect to a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure 145, or a mooring line or wire 140.
  • a second bearing 285 configured for allowing rotational movement of the second portion 110 of a subsea connector with respect to a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure 145, or a mooring line or wire 140.
  • Such a bearing system 395 can provide rotational movement of a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure 145 with respect to a mooring line or wire 140 in one or more directions, while that apparatus or structure is connected to the mooring line or wire by a subsea connector 100.
  • Figure 21(a) shows the profile or cross-section of an aperture 415, for example, the profile of a first aperture 250 or second aperture 255, and pin 260.
  • the aperture 415 is configured to provide a clearance or space 400, e.g. large or increase clearance or space 400, around the pin 260 during insertion of the pin 260, as shown in Figure 21(a) .
  • the aperture 415 can also be configured to provide a contact area between the pin 260 and the aperture 415.
  • the profile of the aperture 415 is substantially oval or egg shaped.
  • the aperture 410 can have a profile, which is substantially that of two overlapping circles.
  • the profile of the aperture 415 comprises a load bearing surface 405, which substantially matches or complements a profile of the pin 260 and/or a load bearing surface of the pin 260.
  • a pin 260 with circular cross-section can be used, and the load bearing surface 405 can be designed to be an arc or the like with substantially the same radius as that of the pin 260.
  • the load bearing surface 405 of the aperture 410 is in contact with the pin 260 when, for example, the first portion is connected to the second portion 110 .is in use, as shown in Figure 21 (b) .
  • the profile of the aperture 415 comprises a non-load bearing surface 410, which can provide clearance 400 around the pin 260 during insertion, as shown in Figure 21(a) .
  • a non-load bearing surface 410 can provide clearance 400 around the pin 260 during insertion, as shown in Figure 21(a) .
  • the first aperture 250 and/or the second aperture 255 can have a profile substantially as shown by the aperture 415 in Figure 21(a) .
  • the load bearing surfaces 405 of the first aperture 250 and second aperture 255 can be substantially opposite each other.
  • the non-load bearing surface 410 of each the first and second apertures 250, 255 are substantially aligned, such as concentrically aligned.
  • the load bearing surface 405 or contact area of the first aperture 250 is substantially opposite or opposed to the load bearing surface 405 or contact area of the second aperture 255.

Claims (16)

  1. Connecteur sous-marin (100), comprenant une première partie (105) comprenant une partie mâle, une deuxième partie (110) comprenant une partie femelle, et un moyen (115) pour connecter les première et deuxième parties; dans lequel :
    le moyen de connexion comprend au moins une partie d'un passage traversant (120) dans la deuxième partie ;
    la première partie comprend un moyen (125) pour connecter la première partie à une ou plusieurs lignes d'amarrage, le moyen destiné à connecter la première partie à une ou plusieurs lignes étant configuré pour permettre un déplacement rotatif de la première partie par rapport à une ou plusieurs lignes autour d'un axe transversal (A) de la première partie ;
    la deuxième partie comprend un moyen (130) pour connecter la deuxième partie à une structure sous-marine ;
    caractérisé en ce que :
    le moyen destiné à connecter la deuxième partie à une structure sous-marine est configuré pour permettre un déplacement rotatif de la deuxième partie par rapport à une structure sous-marine autour d'un axe transversal (B) de la deuxième partie ; et dans lequel :
    l'axe transversal de la première partie est sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe transversal de la deuxième partie lorsque les première et deuxième parties sont connectées.
  2. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins une partie de la première partie peut être reçue dans au moins une partie du passage traversant, le passage traversant pouvant recevoir une ligne de travail ou un fil.
  3. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le connecteur comprend en outre des moyens (150) pour aligner la première partie et la deuxième partie l'une par rapport à l'autre ; dans lequel :
    les moyens destinés à aligner les première et deuxième parties comprennent des premier et deuxième moyens (170, 175) supportés respectivement par les première et deuxième parties ou agencés sur celles-ci, et dans lequel :
    les premier et deuxième moyens d'alignement coopèrent en service, lorsque les première et deuxième parties sont connectées.
  4. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le moyen destiné à connecter la première partie à une ou plusieurs lignes comprend un ou plusieurs premiers moyens de palier (290), le moyen destiné à connecter la deuxième partie à la structure sous-marine comprenant un ou plusieurs deuxièmes moyens de palier (295).
  5. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel :
    l'axe transversal de la première partie est configuré pour être décalé, dans une direction longitudinale de la première et/ou deuxième partie, par rapport à l'axe transversal de la deuxième partie lorsque les première et deuxième parties sont connectées ; ou
    l'axe transversal de la première partie est configuré pour coïncider avec l'axe transversal de la deuxième partie lorsque les première et deuxième parties sont connectées.
  6. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel :
    en service, l'insertion de la partie mâle dans la partie femelle entraîne un déplacement rotatif de la partie mâle, dans une disposition de rotation présélectionnée, dans la partie femelle ; et
    le déplacement rotatif de la partie mâle aligne l'axe transversal de la première partie par rapport à l'axe transversal de la deuxième partie, de sorte que l'axe transversal de la première partie est sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe transversal de la deuxième partie.
  7. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel :
    les moyens destinés à connecter la première partie à une ou plusieurs lignes sont configurés pour permettre un déplacement rotatif de la première partie par rapport à une ou plusieurs lignes, comprenant au moins un premier degré de liberté ; et
    les moyens destinés à connecter la deuxième partie à une structure sous-marine sont configurés pour permettre un déplacement rotatif de la deuxième partie par rapport à une structure sous-marine, comprenant au moins un deuxième degré de liberté ; et dans lequel :
    en service, la connexion de la première partie à la deuxième partie permet un déplacement d'une ou de plusieurs lignes par rapport à une structure sous-marine, avec deux ou plusieurs degrés de liberté et/ou dans deux ou plusieurs directions et/ou plans.
  8. Connecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la première partie comprend un moyen (205) pour assurer une connexion amovible à une ligne de travail.
  9. Connecteur selon la revendication 8, dépendant de la revendication 6, dans lequel la partie mâle comprend un évidement ouvert ou une fente (230) sur une de ses extrémités libres ; et
    la partie du moyen de connexion de ligne est disposée dans l'évidement ouvert ou dans la fente de la partie mâle.
  10. Connecteur selon la revendication 6 ou selon l'une quelconque des revendications qui en dépendent, dans lequel les moyens (115) pour connecter la première partie et la deuxième partie comprennent au moins un des éléments ci-dessous :
    un moyen pour connecter de manière amovible la première partie et la deuxième partie ;
    une première ouverture (250) dans la partie mâle ;
    au moins une deuxième ouverture (255) dans la partie femelle ; et
    une broche (260) pouvant être reçue de manière amovible dans les première et deuxième ouvertures lorsque celles-ci sont alignées.
  11. Connecteur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la première et/ou la deuxièmement ouverture est configurée de sorte à fournir au moins un des éléments ci-dessous :
    un dégagement ou un espace (400) entre la broche et la première et/ou la deuxième ouverture au cours de l'insertion de la broche ; et
    une zone de contact entre la broche et la première et/ou la deuxième ouverture lorsque la première partie est connectée à la deuxième partie.
  12. Connecteur selon les revendications 10 ou 11, dans lequel les première et deuxième ouvertures établissent un profil, le profil des première et deuxième ouvertures comprenant au moins un des éléments ci-dessous :
    une surface ou une partie de support de charge (405) adaptée sensiblement au profil de la broche et/ou de la surface ou de la partie de support de charge de la broche ou complétant celui-ci ; et
    une surface ou partie sans support de charge (410) établissant un dégagement autour de la broche au cours de l'insertion.
  13. Système (275) pour établir une connexion sous-marine entre une structure sous-marine (145) et une ou plusieurs lignes, par exemple des lignes d'amarrage (140), le système comprenant :
    un connecteur (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12 ; et
    une structure sous-marine (145).
  14. Système selon la revendication 13, dans lequel la structure sous-marine comprend une bouée de « turret loading » immergée ou partiellement immergée ou une bouée de « turret production » immergée ou partiellement immergée.
  15. Procédé d'amarrage, d'ancrage ou de fixation d'une structure sous-marine (145) par une ou plusieurs lignes, comprenant l'étape ci-dessous :
    connexion d'au moins une ligne desdites lignes à une structure sous-marine (145) par l'intermédiaire d'un connecteur (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12.
  16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, le procédé comprenant au moins une des étapes ci-dessous :
    descente d'une ligne de travail ou d'un fil (155) à travers le passage traversant d'une partie femelle du connecteur par l'intermédiaire d'un ROV ;
    connexion d'une ligne de travail ou d'un fil (155), comprenant l'autre partie du moyen de connexion de ligne, à la partie du moyen de connexion de ligne de la partie mâle du connecteur par l'intermédiaire d'un ROV ;
    entraînement de la partie mâle du connecteur vers la partie femelle du connecteur, de sorte que la partie mâle est insérée dans la partie femelle par l'intermédiaire d'un ROV;
    insertion de la broche dans les première et deuxième ouvertures du connecteur par l'intermédiaire d'un ROV ; et
    déconnexion de la ligne de travail ou du fil de la partie mâle du connecteur en dégageant la partie du moyen de connexion de ligne de l'autre partie du moyen de connexion de ligne par l'intermédiaire d'un ROV.
EP14715069.2A 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Raccord Withdrawn - After Issue EP2978660B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19167957.0A EP3539859B1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur
DK19167957.0T DK3539859T3 (da) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Forbinder
EP21153798.0A EP3831707A1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201305420A GB2512312B (en) 2013-03-25 2013-03-25 Subsea connector comprising male and female portions
PCT/GB2014/050940 WO2014155094A1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Raccord

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19167957.0A Division EP3539859B1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur
EP21153798.0A Division EP3831707A1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2978660A1 EP2978660A1 (fr) 2016-02-03
EP2978660B1 true EP2978660B1 (fr) 2019-04-24

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EP19167957.0A Active EP3539859B1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur
EP14715069.2A Withdrawn - After Issue EP2978660B1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Raccord
EP21153798.0A Pending EP3831707A1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur

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EP19167957.0A Active EP3539859B1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21153798.0A Pending EP3831707A1 (fr) 2013-03-25 2014-03-25 Connecteur

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US (2) USRE49337E1 (fr)
EP (3) EP3539859B1 (fr)
DK (1) DK3539859T3 (fr)
ES (1) ES2913831T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB2512312B (fr)
PT (1) PT3539859T (fr)
WO (1) WO2014155094A1 (fr)

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GB201700813D0 (en) * 2017-01-17 2017-03-01 Flintstone Tech Ltd Improved underwater connector
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GB2512312B (en) 2015-04-29
PT3539859T (pt) 2022-05-27
USRE49337E1 (en) 2022-12-20
ES2913831T3 (es) 2022-06-06
EP2978660A1 (fr) 2016-02-03
EP3539859A1 (fr) 2019-09-18
EP3539859B1 (fr) 2022-02-23
US20160052604A1 (en) 2016-02-25
GB2512312A (en) 2014-10-01
GB201305420D0 (en) 2013-05-08
WO2014155094A1 (fr) 2014-10-02
US10005522B2 (en) 2018-06-26
EP3831707A1 (fr) 2021-06-09
DK3539859T3 (da) 2022-05-09

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